Blanco County

Texas · TX

#51 in Texas
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Blanco County, Texas

Blanco County significantly exceeds national average

Blanco's composite score of 68.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 37%, earning it recognition as a top-tier U.S. county for livability. This strong performance reflects the county's high incomes, low taxes, and balanced housing costs.

Above average in Texas standings

Blanco scores 68.7, exceeding the Texas state average of 66.8 and establishing it as a solid performer among state counties. This edge reflects notably higher incomes and more favorable tax treatment than most Texas peers.

Highest income profile and excellent tax rates

Blanco's income score of 40.5 leads this group with median household income of $87,564, enabling residents to support quality lifestyles. A tax score of 72.9 with an effective rate of just 1.043% preserves substantial household income while moderate cost scores at 72.5 maintain reasonable housing accessibility.

Premium home prices reflect desirability

Blanco's median home value of $396,200, while affordable relative to incomes, represents significant capital requirements for homeownership. Data on safety, health, schools, water quality, and environmental risks remain incomplete, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.

Ideal for affluent families near Austin

Blanco County suits affluent families and successful professionals seeking Hill Country character with excellent tax efficiency and above-average incomes. If you earn strong household income, prioritize low taxes and quality schools, and appreciate scenic Texas living near Austin access, Blanco delivers superior livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax72.9Cost72.5SafetyComing SoonHealth62.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.5Risk67WaterComing Soon
🏛72.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
62.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
67
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Blanco County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blanco County

via TaxByCounty

Blanco County offers low rates

Blanco County's effective tax rate of 1.043% ranks in the 34th percentile nationally, below the U.S. median of 1.276%. Despite high median property values of $396,200—the largest in this sample—residents pay median taxes of $4,134, slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Below-average rate, premium properties

Blanco County's effective rate of 1.043% is well below the Texas state average of 1.276%, yet its median property tax of $4,134 exceeds the state median of $2,193. This Hill Country county attracts affluent buyers seeking low rates on high-value homes.

Best rate for wealthy homeowners

Blanco County's 1.043% rate is second-lowest among this group, beaten only by Bandera (0.940%). However, its median home value of $396,200 is far higher than any peer, making it the choice for upscale buyers wanting tax efficiency.

Higher value, moderate rate

A median home valued at $396,200 in Blanco County generates an estimated annual tax of $4,134. With a mortgage, that climbs to $5,390; without one, it is $3,175.

Even low rates need checking

Blanco County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments. High-value properties benefit from expert appraisal review; if your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, appeal immediately to secure meaningful savings on already substantial tax bills.

Cost of Living in Blanco County

via CostByCounty

Blanco defies Hill Country affordability logic

Blanco County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing—matching Bailey County as one of Texas's most affordable—despite median home values of $396,200. The county's high incomes of $87,564 make expensive homes feel accessible and rents seem bargain-priced.

Best of both worlds in Hill Country

Blanco County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio, even though median home values place it in the state's priciest tier. The county attracts affluent residents whose incomes dwarf housing costs.

Premium homes, modest monthly burden

Blanco's median rent of $920 is actually lower than Bandera and Bastrop despite home values that exceed both by $150,000+. This reflects a wealthy county where even expensive properties carry manageable monthly payments relative to local incomes.

High income makes homes feel cheap

Blanco's median household income of $87,564 is the highest in this group, and it enables residents to carry $1,271 monthly ownership costs while spending just 12.6% of income on housing. This affluent county operates in a different affordability universe than its neighbors.

Premium Hill Country for high earners

Blanco County offers scenic Hill Country living with excellent affordability metrics—but only if you earn well above median income. If your household income exceeds $87,000 and you prize Texas Hill Country character, Blanco's numbers are genuinely compelling.

Income & Jobs in Blanco County

via IncomeByCounty

Blanco County leads national income rankings

At $87,564, Blanco County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $12,800, placing it in the top 20% nationally. The county boasts strong earning power and prosperous household economies.

Among Texas's highest-income counties

Blanco County's median household income of $87,564 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by over $22,800 annually. Among the eight counties examined, Blanco ranks second only to nearby Bastrop and stands among Texas's most affluent counties.

Regional wealth leader in Hill Country

Blanco County's $87,564 median household income tops all peers in this sample, surpassing Bastrop County ($82,730) and Bandera County ($69,703). Its per capita income of $47,358 far exceeds the state average of $33,197, indicating particularly high individual earning capacity.

Lowest housing burden despite premium prices

At 12.6%, Blanco County's rent-to-income ratio is the most favorable in this sample despite the county's premium $396,200 median home value. A household earning $87,564 annually allocates roughly $915 monthly to rent, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

Maximize wealth through strategic investments

With the highest median household income and per capita income in this sample, Blanco County residents enjoy exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation. Focus on diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and philanthropic strategies to compound the county's considerable economic advantages.

Health in Blanco County

via HealthByCounty

Blanco County leads region on longevity

At 78.0 years, Blanco County's life expectancy is the highest among the eight counties and exceeds the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 4.5 years. Its 18.6% poor or fair health rate is below the national average of 19.2%, reflecting strong daily health and exceptional longevity.

Blanco dominates Texas health rankings

Blanco County's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 3.7 years—the largest gap among the eight counties. Its 18.2% uninsured rate is just below the state average of 19.8%, indicating balanced coverage and world-class health outcomes.

Balanced primary care, limited mental health

Blanco County provides 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid and competitive—but only 38 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest in the region. Despite this mental health gap, the county still achieves the highest life expectancy.

Coverage and care combine for exceptional health

With 18.2% uninsured and 42 primary care providers per 100,000, Blanco County has strong access to preventive and routine care. This combination likely drives the county's exceptional 78.0-year life expectancy and low 18.6% poor or fair health rate.

Maintain Blanco's health advantage

Blanco County residents should keep coverage current to preserve access to the primary care infrastructure supporting the region's best health outcomes. Uninsured residents should register at Healthcare.gov to secure coverage and join one of Texas's healthiest communities.

Disaster Risk in Blanco County

via RiskByCounty

Blanco County Ranks Below National Average

Blanco County scores 33.02 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average. This Hill Country location enjoys lower-than-typical natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Texas's Safest Counties

Blanco County's 33.02 score sits significantly below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk locations. Few Texas counties offer comparable safety across all hazard types.

Safest in the Hill Country

Blanco County's 33.02 score beats neighboring Bandera (66.70) and Burnet counties, making it one of the region's safest locations. Its elevation and distance from major storm tracks provide natural protection.

Wildfire and Flood Are Secondary Concerns

Wildfire risk (74.84) and flood risk (51.43) represent Blanco County's main hazards, reflecting Hill Country terrain and creeks. Tornado risk (41.98) remains moderate, while earthquake risk (1.84) is virtually negligible.

Standard Coverage Meets Most Needs

Blanco County homeowners should maintain standard homeowners coverage with adequate wildfire protection and consider flood insurance near creek areas. Your county's low overall risk means standard policies typically suffice without premium add-ons.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.